Relief was definitely in sight for anyone who complained “Oh, my aching feet” at Macy’s Cherry Creek the night the store hosted another of its Shoe Diva parties.
This time around it was a benefit for the benefit of the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, and any guest who wished could enjoy foot massages and pedicures, courtesy of Frizz Salon. There also was a fashion show in which pro and guest models showed off fall fashions and the footwear with which to accessorize it.Roweena Naidoo, for example, chose suede boots from Michael Kors to go with her Lauren by Ralph Lauren ensemble. Originally from South Africa, Naidoo is the Women’s Foundation program manager. Board member Debbie Jessup; Comcast community relations manager Ruth Rohs; Xcelente Marketing chief Toti Cadavid; and Ana Kemp, who chairs the foundation’s PEP (Power of Extended Philanthropy) Club also took turns on the runway.
The 100 guests also enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres, courtesy of Whirled Peas Catering, and Barefoot wines.
Attorney Mary Stuart, who chairs the foundation board, explained that the WFCO began 21 years ago by Dottie Lamm and Swanee Hunt in an effort to improve the economic self-sufficiency of women and girls throughout Colorado. Its next fund-raiser, a luncheon featuring Joy Behar of “The View,” is to be held Nov. 13 at the Colorado Convention Center. Arlene Hirschfeld and Caz Matthews are the co-chairs; Carol Burt, Margie Gart and Fred Taylor head the corporate committee; and Aetna is the presenting sponsor. Only a few tickets remain.
Shoe divas enjoying the Macy’s hospitality included Luis Colon; Mary Schaefer with daughter Amy Slothower; Sandy Stein; Angela Baier; Jerilyn Delzell; Sarah Krause; Polly Lestikow; Eve Powell; Carolyn Kemp; and Julie George.
For additional information about the WFCO, or to buy tickets for the November luncheon, visit wfco.org or call Susan Walters at 303-285-2965.

Pictures taken at the Shoe Diva party can be viewed at denverpost.com/seengallery

Denver Post Society Editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com

If you show me your giant vegetables. Here’s one of mine, or rather, one my wandering eyes didn’t spy until it started to get really big. Actually, my best friend and garden mentor and loaner of land is the one who nurtured and watered it — and the one who photographed it with her phone (I never seem to have my camera when I should — or if I do, it’s out of juice).

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I suspect my garden buddy has a thing for giant veggies. This is a French breakfast radish. I couldn’t stand it any longer and pulled it, and when I brought it in she joke-pouted and said, “You big meanie!” Then we sliced it and wagered on whether it would be woody and ate it. It was a tad tougher and spicier than your average FB — and neither of us had eaten breakfast yet — so after a quick nibble we let it sit there on the cutting board and mourn its own foiled ambitions to hugeness.

But now I know my garden pal’s weak spot. There’s a Rond de Nice zucchini in the squash patch that’s as big as a small pumpkin, and it’s been really tough to make myself NOT pull it, but she wanted to see how big it would get. My cooking fingers itched for it, but since I still have zucchini on the counter waiting to be cooked, I smacked my hands and let it be.

George and Gail Johnson, left, with Dick Saunders and Jeanne Portmann. Photo by Steve Peterson/Special to The Post

Western Fantasy celebrates its 15th, or crystal, anniversary on Oct. 25 and guests are encouraged to go for the glitter when selecting what to wear.
“We’re going to play up the ‘fantasy’ part of Western Fantasy,” promised Gail Johnson, who is chairing the benefit for Volunteers of America with construction king Dick Saunders. “We’re hoping that people will think out of the box with regard to clothing … kick it up a notch, think silver, crystal, maybe something a little fancier than what you might have worn in the past.”
Johnson delivered her remarks at a party to thank patron- and sponsor-level supporters of the event starring one of country music’s hottest, Dierks Bentley.
As it has every year since the beginning, Neiman Marcus offered its couture salon as the patron party’s setting. Store manager Christel Dikeman saw to it that mannequins were stationed throughout, draped in gowns, dresses and jackets that would be appropriate for the event taking place at the National Western Events Center.
Dikeman also chaired the thank-you function, with help from Diana Murdy, Frances Owens and Debra Abbott Pain.
A highlight of the cocktail affair came when Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper popped in to lead a champagne toast to Jean Galloway and Sharon Magness Blake, whose idea it was to start the dinner, auction and entertainment extravaganza that has raised $16 million to date.
“A great city is a result of great people,” Hickenlooper said, “and Harvard Business School would do well to analyze the success of Western Fantasy and offer it as a model for its students to follow.”
Ever the optimist, Saunders predicted that Western Fantasy 2008 would raise up to 20 percent more than it did last year. “We’re already two-thirds of the way there,” he said.
The remainder, perhaps, will come from the benefit’s live auction. Items up for bid will include tickets to the Country Music Association awards and a guitar autographed by Carrie Underwood and other nominees; a trip to Las Vegas that includes tickets to a Brooks & Dunn concert; and a trip for two to the Super Bowl.
Among those enjoying the Neiman Marcus hospitality and refreshments from Epicurean Catering: former Western Fantasy chairs Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld; Lyn and Dr. Michael Schaffer; Deb Smith; Ted and Sharon Gelt; Lynne Hamstra; Jack and Adrienne Fitzgibbons; Ellen Stewart; Susan Kiely; Ryta and Steve Sondergard; Quinn, Faye and Dr. Reginald Washington; Steve Edmonds; Myrna Mourning; Nancy Sagar; David Alexander; Sarah and Stan Sena; Louise Richardson; Jay and Kristina Davidson; Cindi Burge; and the president of VOA-Colorado, Dianna Kunz.

Pictures taken at the Western Fantasy patron party are posted at denverpost.com/seengallery

Denver Post Society Editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com